Beckham to spend another night in hospital as Finland goes mad over star

16 Mar 2010 12:41:13

The David Beckham circus will occupy Finland for one more day as the England midfielder recovers from his operation.
The 34-year-old, who went under the knife of specialist Dr Sakari Orava on Monday after rupturing his achilles tendon playing for AC Milan, has almost brought Turku, on the country's west coast, to a standstill.
'The centre of the world: Turku,' screamed tabloid Ilta-Sanoma. 'Superstar David Beckham's surgery turned eyes to Finland.'
Ruptured: Beckham's World Cup dream ends on Sunday night
Beckham suffered the injury in Milan's win over Chievo at the weekend and the on-loan Los Angeles Galxy star was immediately ruled out of competing in his fourth World Cup in the summer.
It will be four months before he can run and six before he can jump and kick a ball following his 50-minute operation in a clinic just over 100 miles from the capital Helsinki.
Orava, who has also operated on Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola and athletes Haile Gebrselassie and Merlene Ottey, said: 'I think he prefers to stay one more night here. I just visited him and he said if it's possible he would stay one more night so we can check the wound tomorrow.
VIDEO: Surgeon on Beckham...'(His mood) was pretty good. He was smiling and there was no pain. He was really happy.
'He's a nice patient, he's very satisified with everything, behaves well and doesn't complain.
'walking exercises are the first day's program after surgery. After that he will get a detailed program for further rehabilitation, and then, (Wednesday) probably, he flies to London, and then to the US.'
In safe hands: Specialist Orava did the repair work on Beckham
Beckham's spokesman Simon Oliveira confirmed Beckham's wife Victoria is set to arrive in Finland later today (Tuesday).
He said: 'She is his wife and wants to be there.'
Meanwhile, the man who made Beckham captain of his country believes he will be a huge loss this summer.
Peter Taylor, now Bradford boss, handed Beckham the armband while in caretaker charge of his country in 2000.
Many have suggested England's 23-man squad for South Africa would not be greatly weakened by the absence of Beckham, but Taylor said: 'I disagree with quite a few people.
'To me the option of David Beckham coming off the bench is a dangerous one ashe showed for Milan the other day against Man United (in the Champions League).He put in a couple of wonderful crosses that had goals written all over them.
'He's a dangerous substitute. He'd have improved our squad.'
New era: Becks captains England for the first time - a friendly defeat to Italy
Beckham may now never move clear of his 115 caps - an England record for anoutfield player - and Taylor believes the former Manchester United and RealMadrid midfielder's experience will be missed this summer.
'It's experienced squads that go and win things, so that's where I think we'll miss David on and off the field,' he added.
'I think a lot of players really do look up to him. I think he will be missed - greatly, unfortunately.'
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has vowed to get Beckham back on his feet.
He said: 'Injuries are an unfortunate part of our game and they are even more disappointing when they happen to a player who was so close to realizing his dream of representing his nation at this summer's World Cup.
"David remains an important player for the Galaxy and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club and assisting him in his recovery.'
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